1979 IWC Vintage Mens Ultra Thin Automatic Watch - 18K Gold Plated and Stainless - Very Rare JLC Cal. 3252

IWC

Item No. 5222

Today's offering showcases this fine and very rare automatic IWC powered by the company's caliber 3252 movement which was only produced in 600 pieces.

It was IWC's first fast-beat, ultra-thin automatic movement and measures only 3.25mm thick.

During the quartz revolution, IWC experimented with using movement ebauches from other manufacturers and used a Jaeger-LeCoultre 900 movement for this caliber.

There were three variations in the 325x family. Its sibling movement, the caliber 920 with Gyromax balance, was probably the only movement used by all three of the "watchmaking trinity": Vacheron & Constantin, Audermars Piguet, and Patek Philippe. The 920 is one of the most refined and beautiful automatic movements ever to come out of Switzerland.

So effective was the architecture of the caliber 900, JLC used it until just a few years ago in certain pieces in its Master Control line.

The case, which has a screwed in back, is done in a tropical style with gold-plated top and steel back.

This watch is fully IWC down to the original buckle. It has had a true expert restoration and presents gorgeously. The only visible wear is light aging on the screwed in back. On the wrist it looks perfect mint.

The dial is a perfect refinishing and the printing could pass as IWC factory done to the naked eye.

As part of the restoration the movement has been freshly overhauled and is running very true.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Photos of the inside available upon request.

  • Manufacturer: IWC
  • City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
  • Year built: c. 1979
  • Case no.: 2,229,582
  • Model: Ref. 3204
  • Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Quick-Setting Date
  • Designed for: Men 
  • Dimensions: 33mm wide (without crown), 40mm lugs tip-to-tip
  • Case material: Gold plated and stainless steel
  • Case condition: Presents as mint (replated) on the wrist. A few spots of aging to the back.
  • Dial: Gloss black, signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, faceted baton indexes outer minute track, perfect refinishing
  • Hands: Original, gold batons
  • Jewels: 33 rubies
  • Band: Leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with watch's original gold-plated IWC buckle (The buckle finish didn't show up well in the photos but it presents in very nice condition). We also stock croc and lizard straps.
  • Crystal: Sapphire glass, mint condition
  • Movement: IWC caliber 3252, self-winding, rhodium plated and decorated, 33 jewels, shock resistant, Geneve stripes, approx. 38 hour power reserve, adjusted to five positions
  • Serviced: Yes, freshly overhauled.
  • Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
  • Warranty: 1-year warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details
  • Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
  • Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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